Cats top Nighthawks at home

The North Adams SteepleCats notched their first home win of the year on Sunday, defeating the
Upper Valley Nighthawks by a final score of 4-1.
The positive signs that had been showing up for the ‘Cats were able to pay off in a big way, as
the entire team was able to contribute to a big win. It all started with the pitching though, as
North Adams was able to limit a very talented Upper Valley lineup to only one run over the
course of the contest. The bats also had a big game, coming up with big hits when they were
needed most and powering North Adams to a win.
The scoring started in the bottom of the first inning, as the ‘Cats were able to start the game off
on the right foot. After Chris Diaz (Marist) doubled to lead off the game and stole third, Bobby
Stang (Dayton) was able to bring him in on an RBI groundout to second base. The ‘Cats would
continue to threaten in the inning, but would only bring across the one run.
Upper Valley responded in the top of the third, as Frank Kelly (High Point) blasted a home run to
left center field that tied the game up. It wouldn’t stay that way for long, though, as North Adams
would push across three runs in the bottom half of the frame to make it 4-1. The score would
hold there for the rest of the game, as North Adams was able to grab their first victory at home.
After the game, starter Niklas Pavia spoke to what it meant to the team to be able to win at
home, saying “oh, it felt great. It was the first home win for all of us, so hopefully that gives us a
momentum push to keep going, keep winning.” Pavia dominated on the mound for the second
straight time running, and for the second straight time, North Adams was able to ride his
performance to a win.
However, Pavia was not the only North Adams star that shined en route to the victory. The rest
of the pitching staff looked quite good as well, with Jakob Foster (Portal), Brady Burgess (Middle
Georgia State) and Parker Guthrie (Washington U) all throwing scoreless innings to follow up
Pavia’s performance. Guthrie picked up his first save of the year, dominating in the 9th inning to
close out the game. The bats also impressed, picking up timely hits when needed and
supporting the pitching staff in a total team effort. It was truly a game to build on for the ‘Cats,
and North Adams will look to do exactly that in the coming days.
Next up, North Adams welcomes the Vermont Mountaineers to Joe Wolfe Field for their second
matchup of the season, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. They then have a day off before
heading to Upper Valley for a rematch with the Nighthawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:00
p.m.